Oberlin, KS
Population 1,763 · Kansas
About Oberlin, KS
Oberlin is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,763 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,813 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oberlin features a median home value of $77,400, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oberlin one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $750, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,021 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (698 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (186 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oberlin shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oberlin have an average one-way commute time of 12.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.6% of Oberlin residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oberlin, KS
Compared to national averages, Oberlin has a median household income of $47,813 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $77,400, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $750 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Oberlin's income is 25% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 32% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Oberlin, KS?
Oberlin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $77,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $750/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,813) that falls below the national average. However, Oberlin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oberlin has a population of 1,763 with a median age of 53.2 years. Compare Oberlin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Oberlin
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainville | 1,766 | $60,526 | $89,000 | Compare |
| Oswego | 1,770 | $51,701 | $80,700 | Compare |
| Towanda | 1,748 | $71,048 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Edgerton | 1,787 | $81,858 | $196,700 | Compare |
| Elkhart | 1,732 | $66,477 | $99,600 | Compare |
| Grandview Plaza | 1,801 | $41,202 | $0 | Compare |
| Horton | 1,708 | $41,650 | $74,600 | Compare |
| Syracuse | 1,706 | $54,615 | $124,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Oberlin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oberlin
What is the population of Oberlin, KS?
The population of Oberlin, KS is 1,763 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Oberlin?
The median household income in Oberlin, KS is $47,813 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oberlin?
The median home value in Oberlin, KS is $77,400, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oberlin?
The median monthly rent in Oberlin, KS is $750, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oberlin?
The unemployment rate in Oberlin, KS is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oberlin, KS a good place to live?
Oberlin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,763 and a median age of 53.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Oberlin, KS?
31.6% of residents in Oberlin aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Oberlin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oberlin, KS: median home value is $77,400 (68% below national), median rent is $750/month, and median household income is $47,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oberlin?
The poverty rate in Oberlin, KS is 13.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Oberlin, KS?
Oberlin's population is 3.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.